South Africa has once again proven its status as a global culinary hotspot, sweeping top honours at the 6th World Culinary Awards. This prestigious international initiative recognises excellence across the culinary industry, celebrating restaurants, chefs, and destinations that define the art of food.
Like in the previous year, South Africa was crowned Africa’s Best Culinary Destination 2025, while Cape Town earned the title of Africa’s Best Culinary City Destination 2025. These accolades reflect the country’s growing reputation for world-class dining experiences, diverse cuisines, and innovative culinary offerings.
Africa’s Best Restaurants of 2025 (South Africa only)
The awards highlighted excellence across multiple countries and categories, showcasing South African establishments exclusively:
- Africa’s Best Restaurant 2025: FYN (Cape Town)
- Africa’s Best Rooftop Restaurant 2025: The 11th Floor (Johannesburg)
- Africa’s Best New Hotel Restaurant 2025: Guild Restaurant @ Steyn City Hotel by Saxon (Steyn City, Johannesburg)
- Africa’s Best Chinese Cuisine Restaurant 2025: The Red Room at Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel (Cape Town)
- Africa’s Best French Cuisine Restaurant 2025: Le coin Français by Darren Badenhorst (Franschhoek)
- Africa’s Best New Restaurant 2025: Amare (Cape Town)
- Africa’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Qunu @ Saxon Hotel, Villa & Spa (Johannesburg)
- Africa’s Best Fine Dining Experience 2025: MERTIA (Stellenbosch)
- Africa’s Best Indian Cuisine Restaurant 2025: Thali (Cape Town)
- Africa’s Best Landmark Restaurant 2025: Life Grand Cafe Waterfront (Cape Town)
- Africa’s Best Japanese Cuisine Restaurant 2025: Nobu Cape Town (Cape Town)
From rooftop gems in Johannesburg to fine dining experiences in Stellenbosch, South Africa's culinary landscape continues to impress both local and international food lovers.
Southern Africa’s top culinary establishments by country:
The awards also celebrated outstanding restaurants and hotel dining experiences across Southern Africa, highlighting the region’s growing culinary excellence:
- Angola:
- Angola’s Best Restaurant 2025: Café Del Mar (Luanda)
- Angola’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Kimera @ EPIC SANA Luanda (Luanda)
- Botswana:
- Botswana’s Best Restaurant 2025: Table50Two (Gaborone)
- Botswana’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Xigera Restaurant @ Xigera Safari Lodge (Masarwa, Okavango Delta)
- Eswatini:
- Eswatini’s Best Restaurant 2025: Ramblas Restaurant (Mbabane)
- Eswatini’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Together & Co. Restaurant @ Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane (Mbabane)
- Mozambique:
- Mozambique’s Best Restaurant 2025: MOOD Restaurant & Bar (Maputo)
- Mozambique’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Clube Naval @ Avani Pemba Beach (Pemba)
- Namibia:
- Namibia’s Best Restaurant 2025: Jetty 1905 (Swakopmund)
- Namibia’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Stratos Restaurant & Bar @ Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino (Windhoek)
- South Africa:
- South Africa's Best Restaurant 2025: FYN (Cape Town)
- South Africa's Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Qunu @ Saxon Hotel, Villa & Spa (Johannesburg)
- South Africa's Best Culinary Experience 2025: The Waterside (Cape Town)
- Zambia:
- Zambia’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: The Theatre of Food @ Avani Victoria Falls Resort (Livingstone)
- Zimbabwe:
- Zimbabwe’s Best Restaurant 2025: Victoria Twenty Two (Harare)
- Zimbabwe’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025: Livingstone Room @ The Victoria Falls Hotel (Victoria Falls)
A Celebration of culinary excellence
The winners were determined following a year-long search for the world’s leading culinary brands. Votes were cast by both industry professionals and the general public, with the top nominee in each category earning the coveted title. These awards underscore Southern Africa’s dedication to world-class hospitality and innovative cuisine, positioning the region as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
With Cape Town leading the way as Africa’s premier culinary city and neighbouring countries showcasing outstanding restaurants, travellers can look forward to an unforgettable gastronomic journey - from traditional South African flavours to globally inspired culinary masterpieces across the region.
Congratulations to all the winners for raising the bar and showcasing the best of Southern Africa’s food culture.
Subscribe for updates:
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.
